All-Star Predictions: West Starters

After predicting the Eastern All-Star Starters, it’s time to look at the West All-Star Starters. For me, there were many more possible candidates in the West than the East, and some choices were very difficult. The Western Conference is just ridiculously talented and, unfortunately, there is not enough room for everybody. Anyways, here are my starters:

Season Averages: 28.9 PPG (48/44/91), 5.5 APG, 1.3 APG

Although he’s no longer playing at a unanimous MVP level, Curry has been incredible this season. Harden’s insane scoring bursts may have overshadowed what Curry has been doing, but Curry is still tied for 2nd in the NBA in PPG. He’s been insanely efficient as well. He currently leads the NBA in eFG% among players averaging over 19 PPG. To nobody’s surprise, Curry has also dominated the 3-point line. He currently leads the league with 5 threes made per game. Curry has also made the 2nd most threes in the NBA despite missing 11 games. The player with the 3rd most threes made, Buddy Hield, is still 17 threes behind Curry even though he’s played 11 more games. The west is full of talented guards, but Curry has remained as the best of best and fully deserves to be an All-Star starter.

Season Averages: 33.9 PPG (44/39/85), 6.0 RPG, 8.6 APG, 2.0 SPG

Easily the most unstoppable player in the NBA right now, Harden is an obvious selection to be an all-star starter. He leads the NBA in scoring by a mile and has 35+ in 11 of his last 12 games and 40+ in 6 of his last 8 games. With these insane performances, he has willed the Rockets to win 12 of their last 15 games. Not to mention he has one 50 point triple-double and three 40+ point triple-doubles. There isn’t a single defender in the NBA who has been able to guard Harden. His step back three is deadly and if they stop that his craftiness around the rim will get them. Additionally, he is on pace for the second most threes made in a single season with a projected 394. Harden has had one of the most impressive offensive streaks I’ve ever seen and deserves to be a West All-Star Starter.

Season Averages: 28.4 PPG (51/36/91), 7.4 RPG, 6.1 APG

It was a tough decision between Kevin Durant and Paul George, but Durant’s superstar status and consistency earned him the selection in my eyes. George may have the edge defensively, but Durant’s offensive output surpasses PG. Durant is ahead of George in FG%, eFG%, PPG, and APG, basically every major offensive stat. As previously mentioned Durant has been much more consistent and efficient as well. On the season, KD has shot under 40% from the field just 5 out of 41 games, while PG has done so 15 out of 39 games. Add the fact the KD is a bonafide star while PG is looked at as a second option and Durant gets the starting nod. Both players are having incredible seasons, and I would love to select George, but Durant barely edges him out.

Season Averages: 27.3 PPG (52/36/68), 8.3 RPG, 7.1 APG

This one should be pretty obvious. After being the best player in the NBA for about a decade, LeBron has a massive fanbase and has earned the respect of player and every coach. His dominance has continued into his year-34 season as well. His recent injury did expose he is only human, despite his stats suggesting otherwise. He’s experiencing his second-highest scoring season in the last 9 years while shooting an incredible .570 eFG%. Although people have been expecting a decline in his play, it has simply not happened. He is still top 5 in scoring, top 15 in assists, and is still capable of big nights such as his 51 point outburst in Miami. James not only will be a West All-Star Starter but will likely be a captain as well. The second return of fan voting has him leading Luka Doncic by almost 500,000 votes.

Season Averages: 28.9 PPG (51/32/80), 13.2 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 2.7 BPG

Although his team may not be very successful, Anthony Davis deserves to be a West All-Star Starter. His second best player, Nikola Mirotic, has been injured as well as his starting point guard, Elfrid Payton. Despite this, Davis has continued to put up monstrous stat lines. He is tied with Curry for the 2nd most points per game, 2nd in blocks per game, and 4th in rebounds per game. Additionally, he already has 3 games this season with over 40 points and 17+ rebounds. Nikola Jokic deserves some consideration for his team success and his all-around game, but Davis’ insane averages blow Jokic out of the water. Few players have Davis’ athleticism and skillset making him my final selection to be a West All-Star Starter.